In the heart of Papua, where misty highlands meet coastal towns, and where traditions run deep and wounds of conflict still linger, a new voice is rising—not one of resistance, but of resilience. It comes from the people who have long borne the burden of instability, not just the government. This voice carries a shared message: a renewed trust in peace, and at its center stands a security force with an evolving face—Satgas Damai Cartenz.
This specialized task force, officially known as Satgas Operasi Damai Cartenz, has become more than a state security initiative. In the eyes of many Papuans, it is now a symbol of transformation, bridging the gap between policy and people, between law enforcement and cultural understanding.
A Turning Point: From Mistrust to Mutual Respect
Historically, Papua has had a complex relationship with security forces. Years of conflict with armed criminal groups (Kelompok Kriminal Bersenjata, or KKB) and a perceived disconnect between state efforts and indigenous concerns left scars both physical and psychological. Yet in 2025, something is shifting. That shift is embodied in how community leaders, religious figures, customary elders, and youth activists are now voicing public, collective, and heartfelt appreciation for the role Satgas Damai Cartenz plays—not just in fighting violence, but in building peace.
Take the recent words of Thimotius Marani, a respected figure from Jayapura. Standing before his local community, Marani declared his full support for the task force’s law enforcement mission, stressing that their firm stance against KKB is not just a military necessity but a social one.
“We appreciate the efforts of Satgas Damai Cartenz in protecting our people,” he said. “They are not here to cause fear. They are here to restore what we all want: peace, safety, and dignity.”
His voice joins a growing chorus that includes pastors, youth leaders, and tribal elders, many of whom have long demanded a more compassionate, culturally sensitive approach to Papua’s challenges. Now, many believe they are seeing exactly that in action.
Faith Leaders Step Forward: Building Peace Beyond the Pulpit
One of the most striking developments has been the support from Papuan religious leaders, who have traditionally acted as moral guardians in their communities. Reverend Herman Waromi, a senior church figure, praised the peacekeeping task force during a gathering in early August.
“What Satgas Damai Cartenz brings is more than security—it is a message of unity and healing,” he stated.
Reverend Waromi highlighted how the task force’s inclusive approach, marked by respectful dialogue and real community engagement, aligns with Christian values of reconciliation. His sentiment has resonated across Papua’s spiritual landscape, especially as church communities often play vital roles in mediating local disputes and guiding moral direction.
The Voice of Tradition: Tribal Elders Speak
Just as the church holds sway in spiritual matters, customary leaders—known as Ondofolo or tribal elders—command deep respect in traditional Papuan governance. One such elder, Yanto Eluay of Sentani, made headlines when he declared his endorsement of Satgas Damai Cartenz’s continued operations.
Eluay, who is known for championing indigenous rights, underscored that peace cannot be imported—it must be nurtured internally, with support from those who understand Papuan culture. Yet, he believes the task force’s current model does just that.
“They are not outsiders enforcing foreign rules,” he remarked. “They are partners who respect our customs and defend our right to live peacefully.”
He emphasized that continued law enforcement against KKB was essential, but equally vital is community participation, education, and sustained development. Eluay’s backing carries significant weight in tribal communities where oral traditions and customary law still define the rhythm of life.
Youth in Harmony: The Next Generation Joins the Cause
In the city of Jayapura, Absalom Kreway Yarisetouw, a passionate youth activist and chairman of Generasi Garuda Sakti Indonesia, took to social media and public platforms to voice his support.
“Today’s youth must rise not with weapons, but with wisdom,” he declared in a statement that went viral across Papuan networks. “We support the task force because we want a future where we don’t have to live in fear. Peace is not passive—it must be protected.”
His sentiments reflect a broader shift among Papua’s younger generation. Far from being disengaged, they are increasingly proactive—seeking unity, development, and opportunities. For them, Satgas Damai Cartenz is not a symbol of repression but a collaborator in ensuring that aspirations are not shattered by bullets or propaganda.
Acts of Compassion: Security Through Service
Beyond the courtroom and conflict zones, Satgas Damai Cartenz has touched communities through acts of kindness. In Kampung Ansudu, located in the Sarmi Regency, the task force organized free medical checkups for elderly residents—a gesture that struck a deep chord.
Local leader Adam Beny Mersua couldn’t hide his gratitude: “They came not with guns, but with medicine and love. For our elderly, this means everything.”
These humanitarian efforts are part of a wider initiative within the task force to humanize security forces, demonstrating that public safety is not just about arrests but about addressing real, everyday needs. It’s a strategy that resonates in Papua, where access to basic services like healthcare and education is often limited.
Nurturing the Vulnerable: A Visit to the Orphanage
Another moving moment came during Satgas’s visit to Panti Asuhan Santa Susana, an orphanage in Timika. The children welcomed the officers with laughter and songs, breaking the traditional image of uniformed authority.
Magdalena Ema Nunang, the founder, recalled the emotional scene: “The children felt safe. They felt seen. It’s rare that officers come not to question but to care. Their presence was a blessing.”
This soft diplomacy—security through empathy—has proved to be one of Satgas Damai Cartenz’s most effective tools. It is building a new narrative of state presence in Papua, one grounded in cooperation, not confrontation.
The Road Ahead: Peace as a Shared Responsibility
Despite these hopeful developments, challenges remain. The KKB threat continues, and regions of Papua still experience tension and economic hardship. But the current trajectory suggests something powerful is unfolding: a shift from state vs. society to state and society together.
Dr. Yones Wenda, a prominent religious scholar, summed it up best: “Peace is not something granted. It is something grown—like a garden that needs water, care, and the effort of many hands.”
He believes that while Satgas Damai Cartenz leads the way in law enforcement, the real victory will be in maintaining trust, continuing dialogue, and ensuring that development follows peace.
Conclusion
In today’s Papua, a remarkable change is taking place—not through sudden revolutions, but through daily acts of trust-building, enforcement of justice, and shared compassion. From the mountains of Mimika to the shores of Jayapura, community figures are uniting not only in words but also in purpose.
The appreciation they extend to Satgas Damai Cartenz is not just for operations or arrests—it’s for showing a path forward.
One paved with hope, guarded by vigilance, and held together by a simple, powerful truth: Papua deserves peace. And peace, at last, may be within reach.
